“For what purpose? You act far more the country squire than a fashionable lord of the realm. Is someone trying to extort money from you?”
Simon laughed harshly. “I wish them luck with that.”
North stilled his brush on the horse. “What do you mean?”
Simon hadn’t told anyone what had happened last year with his steward. “I discovered my former steward had been giving himself a rather large bonus the past two years.”
“Dammit, Hart. Why didn’t you tell me? I know how much you hate doing the books but I would have been happy to help you.”
“You haven’t been here. Until a few months ago, you wouldn’t step foot on your estate or even enter the county.”
North blew out a long breath. “You’re right. I have not been a good friend to you. I am sorry for that. How bad is it?”
“Very bad. Mother insists I attend Caroline’s country party to search for a wealthy bride.”
“Perhaps she has the right idea,” North said quietly.
“It’s a little too late for that,” Simon commented.
“How so?”
“I proposed to Miss Featherstone this afternoon.” Simon waited for the blast of anger from his friend. He knew proposing to Mia was a foolish idea considering his financial outlook. But he wasn’t about to ask her to become his mistress. She deserved far better than that.
“I can only assume she accepted.” North’s calm demeanor seemed at odds with his stiff jaw.
“Not completely.”
“Not completely? What the bloody hell does that mean?” Finally, the anger had risen to the surface. “A woman like her will not help you with your finances. In fact, she might damage them completely. How do you know she won’t take herself off to London and gamble what little money you have away? How do you know she won’t run off with some man who catches her fancy? My God, man, you found her half-dead from her last lover.”
Hearing a feminine gasp, Simon glanced past North to where Mia stood, holding the stable door for support. Her pale face told him she had heard all of North’s rants. Instead of running away, she stepped into the barn as North turned to face her.
“Your Grace, if you are done impugning my reputation, I will tell you that I am not a gambler. I don’t fancy myself a spendthrift nor am I a harlot. I had no idea the earl was in financial straits and since I do know, my lord, you may rescind your offer of marriage if you would like. I would understand and hold no ill will toward you.”
Simon smiled at the grace she had while bringing North down a peg. “My offer of marriage still stands.”
“Thank you, my lord. If you need any assistance with your books, I am quite good with figures.”
“Miss Featherstone, please accept my apology,” North said stiffly. “I was only—”
“Watching out for a friend. I understand that completely, Your Grace. After all, I questioned Selina’s sanity when she accepted you as her lover and then as her husband. I suppose it’s only fair that you do the same.” She took a long breath in. “I believe the walk out here has tired me. Good day, gentlemen.”
As she walked away, Simon shot North a stone-cold glare. “Don’t ever say another bad word about her.” He turned away. “Miss Featherstone, I shall escort you to the house.”
Behind him, he heard North chuckle.
Mia’s cheeks still felt heated from her exchange with the duke. Arrogant bastard. She had no idea how Selina could tolerate the man. She slid a glance to the man beside her and her heart swelled. Hart had defended her to his best friend. Her eyes welled with tears.
“I am sorry you had to hear that,” Hart said as they reached the house.
“As I told him, I understand his reasoning.”
“But... ?”
Mia smiled. “But he is wrong. I just don’t know how to prove it to you,” she added wistfully. They walked inside and he led her to the salon. Slowly, she lowered herself to the emerald velvet chair by the fireplace. She winced as a shard of pain sliced her rib again.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, it felt quite good to get out of bed. I was hoping to dine with you tonight.”